After close buddy Samir Chanda passed away, Vishal Bhardwaj roped in three of the art director's assistants for his films as a token of friendship

Even after his close buddy Samir Chanda's death, Vishal Bhardwaj has found a unique way to pay homage to the late art director. The filmmaker and the art director worked together on projects like Omkara, Kaminey and Makdee.

Instead of hiring some other experienced art director to help him with his films, Bhardwaj has roped in three of Chanda's assistants to work on his upcoming film, one starring Imran Khan and another starring Emraan Hashmi. The three of Chanda's aides to have been hired by Bhardwaj are Subrato Chakravarthy, Punita Grover and Amit Ray.

Subroto tells us, "I have been an assistant with Sameer dada from a film called Indian many years back and so has been Amit. Punita joined us during Rang De Basanti. I learnt more about Vishal when I did Omkara and I was even promoted to being Chanda's associate. After that I did many films with him."

Subrato is glad that Bhardwaj trusted the trio. He says, "We have really worked hard and delivered our best. Vishal and dada had a great equation and everything I have learned is from dada. I hope I live up to his expectations."